Short Description
Gambling in Portorož has been around for over 100 years. The hallmark of Portorož, or perhaps even of the entire Slovenian coastline, is the Grand Casino Portorož. With its tradition, it is an indispensable link not only to Slovenian gambling but also to the tourist offer on the Slovenian coast. It could be said that tourism in Portorož is based on, or operates solely because of gambling.
In the Grand Casino Portorož you can enjoy in a large casino with over 39 gaming tables and 275 slot machines. It also offers entertainment events, excellent hotel facilities and an exceptional view of the sea. The Grand Casino Portorož is the place to go for top players and those who are just looking to have fun.
History
As we’ve already mentioned, the history of the Grand Casino Portorož dates back to 1913, during the Austro-Hungarian monarchy. This is when the first gambling games were organized in the country at the Villa San Lorenzo, where the Grand Hotel Metropol is located today (the same building that houses the Grand Casino Portorož).
At that time, however, the Villa San Lorenzo was not used exclusively for gambling, but was in a sense a “meeting place of importance”, an organizer of social evenings, dance parties, shows and sporting events. The First and Second World Wars and the consequent lack of tourists put a bit of a damper on things. The idea was revived in 1964, when the casino was re-established (this time in the Palace hotel) by the Italian company C.E.G.A. from San Reno, as there was no knowledge of how to set up and run a casino in Slovenia. Due to legislation, only foreigners played, not Slovenians. Within a few years (1967), the casino was taken over by a Slovenian company, today known as HIT. Due to the increasing number of visitors, the casino was getting too small. So in 1972 it was moved “back” to the Grand Hotel Portorož.
Over time, legislation somewhat relaxed and the hotels and casinos in Portorož started expanding and becoming modernized.
All that remains of the Villa San Lorenzo is the portal (pictured below).
Location
The Villa San Lorenzo is one of the first and most luxurious villas in Portorož. The same can be said about its location. Originally, the swimming area in Portorož was planned to be built just below the Villa San Lorenzo. As a result, the location of the Grand Casino Protorož is still one of the best in Portorož.
It’s just a few steps from the sea and is a part of the Grand Hotel Metropol Portorož on the coast. It provides you with quality accommodation in high-end hotels, free parking in their VIP garages, free transfers to and from the airports and other benefits and surprises.
Games in the Grand Casino Portorož
Slot Machines
The Grand Casino Portorož offers 37 new slot machines by IGT, Bally, Konami and Novomatic. As well as many new games with progressive jackpots.
American Roulette
American roulette is the casino’s main adrenaline rush. The roulette is suitable for both the discerning gamblers and those who are not that well-versed in gambling. American Roulette in the Grand Casino Portorož is entertaining, exciting and an excellent choice to play with friends. Minimal bet is €2 and maximum bet is €100.
French Roulette
French Roulette is a simple game, also suitable for beginners. Minimal bet is €10 and maximum bet is €150.
Blackjack
Blackjack is considered to be a tense and yet simple game. It’s one of the most popular games in casinos. The minimal bet in the Grand Casino Portorož is €10 and the maximum bet is €1000.
Texas Hold’em Bonus Poker
Texas Hold’em Bonus Poker is a fun game that offers high winnings. It came to Slovenia from American gambling salons. Minimal bet is €10 and maximum bet is €100.
Punto Banco
Punto Banco is a simple game with high winnings. Minimal bet in the Grand Casino Portorož is €50 and maximum bet is €1,500.
Caribbean Poker
Caribbean Poker is a variation of the traditional poker that became very popular in the European casinos. Minimal bet in the Grand Casino Portorož is €10 and maximum bet is €100.
Ultimate Texas Hold’em Poker
Utimate Texas Hold’em Poker is a type of poker you play against the dealer. It’s entertaining and tense. Minimal bet is €10 and maximum bet is €100.
Chemin de Fer
Chemin de Fer, also known as Shimmy or Chernay is a French card game that is played mostly in European in Latin American casinos. It can be played by up to 12 players at a kidney-shaped table, the aim of the game is to collect 9 with two or three cards in hand. When the cards add up to a two-digit number, the first number is ignored, so 14 counts as 4. Ace counts as 1, the numbered cards are worth their face value, and the face cards count as 10 (which counts as 0). Chemin de Fer originates from the Italian game baccarat, the only difference being that in this card game, the players are betting on each other instead of on the house. As a casino game in the United States, Chemin de Fer replaced baccarat in the late 1950s.
Bingo
The highest Bingo in the Grand Casino Portorož is €100,000. The game takes place every evening, Monday to Thursday and Sunday at 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday at 11:30 p.m.
Slot Machines
The Grand Casino Portorož offers 251 slot machines of the latest generation with attractive graphics, bonus games and progressive jackpots. Minimal bet is €0,01 and the maximum bet is €100 per game. Three electronic roulette tables with 24 playing spots are also available Minimal bet is €0,50 and the maximum bet is €50 per game.
Sources:
- https://foto-zgodbe.blogspot.com/
- http://www.cek.ef.uni-lj.si/UPES/bolka893.pdf
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/chemin-de-fer
- https://www.casino.si/grand-casino-portoroz/
- http://www.gregorbabsek.si/Portoroz_razvoj_turizma.html
